UTC Football Program Signs 19

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team wrapped up one of the best recruiting classes in the nation with 19 signees today. UTC head coach Russ Huesman built for the future on both sides of the ball, adding 10 on offense, eight on defense and one specialist in the 2014 class.

This is Huesman’s sixth recruiting class since taking over at his alma mater in December of 2008, and it includes a talented haul of high school seniors.

There are four, three-star prospects in the bunch, the most ever for a Huesman class at UTC. Twelve with all-state credentials is also a new benchmark, while at least 10 had an offer from a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) school.

“The job that our coaching staff did this year was unbelievable,” stated Huesman. “There were no egos involved. Every weekend everybody did everything they needed to do to make these guys feel great about Chattanooga and Chattanooga football.”

Huesman and company kept their recruiting close to home, with all 19 hailing from Tennessee, Alabama or Georgia. Nine in-state signees, including five from the Chattanooga area, tie the most in one class in the Huesman era.

“To get these local guys - C.J., Cam, Bailey, Isaiah and Emory - to get them to stay home and play for us says a lot about our coaches and our program and this city,” added Huesman. “They had opportunities, all of those guys could have gone elsewhere and they chose to stay in Chattanooga. I’m awfully proud of them for it.”

“We sent out letters of intent to 19 players and got all 19 back” said Huesman. “It’s always a nerve-wracking time when you go through that process. We had to fight some people off the last week to hang on to some of these guys, but it’s a testament to them they gave us their word they were coming they were going to sign and hung in there with us.”

Be sure to check out full bios, video highlights and comments from head coach Russ Huesman through the link in the chart at the top of the page. Fans are encouraged to attend tonight’s Signing Day Celebration presented by Zaxby’s at the Stadium Club in Finley Stadium. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (E.S.T.) with the program beginning at 5:45 p.m.

Richardre Bagley RB – 5-9 – 180 – Powder Springs, Ga. (Hillgrove HS)Two-star prospect according to Rivlas.com and 247sports.com … played for Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Ga. … coached by Philip Ironside … first name is pronounced re-CAR-dre … second team all-state as a senior … 1,682 rushing yards as a senior … 7.2 yards per carry … ran for 200 yards in each of Hillgrove’s playoff games in 2013 … four-year starter … also ran track … Honor Roll all four years … member of the National Honor Society of High School Scholars … PERSONAL … full name is Richardre DeAnthony Bagley … born Nov. 22, 1995 … son of Angelia and Richard Bagley … has two sisters, Keshia and Alyssa, and one brother, Marcus … plans to major in Engineering … originally committed to Furman … FBS offers included Air Force and Temple.

Coach Huesman on Richardre Bagley:“Richardre plays running back and we are extremely, extremely excited about him. The one big thing with him is how he fits our offense. The things we saw him do in high school really match well with what we want him to do here. The biggest thing is, he is a home run hitter. He can run and make a huge play for us, either catching the ball or taking a handoff. We are really excited about Richardre.”

Kennington Cadwell – OL – 6-6 – 280 – Decatur, Ga (Columbia HS)Talented offensive lineman with a lot of potential from Columbia High School in Decatur, Ga. … played for head coach David Edwards … nominated to play in the DLSCB Georgia Dome All-Star game and the Florida-Georgia All-Star game … earned the President’s Award and named Academic Player of the Year … PERSONAL … full name is Kennington Deshon Cadwell … born June 15, 1996 … plans to major in Athletic Training.

Coach Huesman on Kennington Cadwell:“Kennington is a big, massive offensive lineman who can move. We watched him on film early in this process and really liked him. He had multiple offers from a lot of people. We’re excited to have him on board, and we think he can do a lot of things in this offense.”

Tae Davis – DB – 6-3 – 190 – Oxford, Ala. (Oxford HS)Standout defensive back at Oxford High School in Oxford, Ala. … played for head coach Ryan Herring … led the Yellow Jackets with 104 tackles … also had 7.5 TFLs and eight PBUs … ran one of two picks back for a TD … guided Oxford to a 9-3 record as a senior … also ran track … named the Best Sprinter on the track team … member of the Honor Society and the National Junior Beta Club … PERSONAL … full name is Octavious Marquez Davis … born Aug. 14, 1996 … son of ShaRhonda Davis … undecided on a major.

Coach Huesman on Tae Davis:“Tae was one we identified early in the process. Marcus West did a great job recruiting him and we’re excited. He is very athletic and a big guy in the safety position who can run. What a great kid and a great family. I have enjoyed getting to know him, and I think he is going to be a great one at either strong or free safety for us for a long time.”

C.J. Fritz – DB – 5-11 – 170 – Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie School)All-state defensive back … only played football the last two seasons … member of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … 42 catches for 500 yards and six TDs at McCallie … three INTs and 18 PBUs … played for head coach and former Moc Ralph Potter … also ran track and was a state champion in the 100M as a junior … Chattanooga Times Free Press Best of Preps Track Team ... school record 10.59 in the 100M ... all region in basketball … PERSONAL … full name is Julius Cedric Fritz, Jr. … born Sept 15, 1996 … son of Marcy Moss and Julius and Shere Fritz … has two brothers, Marcus and Gabe, and two sisters, Shayla and Katie … father played basketball at Fort Valley State … plans to major in Finance … also had an FBS offer from UAB.

Coach Huesman on C.J. Fritz:
“We had C.J. in camp and we loved him. The one thing about him we loved is C.J. can fly. He can flat out fly. He has track speed. Normally you can find a lot of track speed out there, but with C.J., we think he can be an excellent football player with that speed. He has only played a couple of years in high school. Obviously, he can play cover-corner for us, and return kicks and be a home run hitter there. To get a hometown kid with his caliber is tremendous for us.”

Tavon Lawson – DB – 6-1 – 190 – Talladega, Ala. (Munford HS)All-state defensive back from Munford High School in Munford, Ala. … played for head coach Will Wagnon … guided Munford to the 4A semifinals as a senior with a 12-2 record … three-time all-county … …two-time member of the Pigskin Round Up All-Star Team … all-county and all-area member of the basketball team … also ran track … Senior Class President and SGA President … member of the Senior Beta Club and the Honor Society … PERSONAL … full name is Tavon Ja’Brent Lawson … son of Brenda and Dexter Lawson … born Sept. 6, 1995 … has an older brother DexTavious … plan to major in Engineering … had a late offer from Minnesota.

Coach Huesman on Tavon Lawson:“Tavon is really good. I think getting him and Tae Davis together in the secondary is huge for us. The one thing about Tavon is his return game. I think he had 10 kicks or punts returned this year. Very explosive player…very excited to have him. Marcus West did a great job recruiting him. Last week of the recruiting period a Big 10 school offered him. Tavon hung in there with us and we are so happy he did.”

Bailey Lenoir – TE – 6-4 – 245 – Ooltewah, Tenn. (East Hamilton HS)Two-star prospect according to Rivals.com and 247sports.com … member of the Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … excellent blocking tight end … also lettered in basketball and tennis … all-district and all-region tennis player … PERSONAL … full name is Bailey Dobson Lenoir … born March 28, 1996 … son of Patrick and Kristy Lenoir … father played football and mother played volleyball at Tennessee … has an older brother, Jackson, and a younger sister, Emma … undecided on a major.

Coach Huesman on Bailey Lenoir:“Bailey was our first commitment and really got this recruiting class going. We are excited about Bailey. He is a big physical guy that is really athletic for his size. His dad played at Tennessee, and he has great blood lines and athleticism in his family. We think he is going to bring not only blocking ability, but also great hands at that position. We are really excited to have Bailey.”

Isaiah Mack – DL – 6-2 – 260 – Tunnel Hill, Ga. (Northwest Whitfield HS)Two-time all-state defensive lineman at Northwest Whitfield High School in Tunnel Hill, Ga. … played for head coach Josh Robinson … had 121 tackles, 21 TFLs and 29 QBHs as a senior … also forced four fumbles … made 137 stops as a junior … had 30 tackles in one game against Gilmer County as a junior … two time regional defensive player of the year … member of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … two-year member of the wrestling team … A-B Honor Roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Isaiah Dwight Mack … born March 19, 1996 … son of Sequoyah Mack … has a younger brother, Rashaun … undecided on a major.

Coach Huesman on Isaiah Mack:“When you guys watch his film you’ll see a big man who can run and that’s what we are trying to do on defense. Isaiah is 6’2 260-265 - can probably be 280 - and this kid can fly. We’re excited to continue to recruit speed guys on the defensive side of the ball. Isaiah had a lot of things going and we’re excited he jumped on board with us.”

Dejuan McQuarters – WR – 5-10 – 165 – Memphis, Tenn. (Mitchell HS)Two-star prospect according to Rivals.com and 247sports.com … all-state receiver at Mitchell High School in Memphis, Tenn. … played for head coach Nate Cole … 2,500+ all-purpose yards in his career … 47 catches for 885 receiving yards and 12 TDs as a senior … averaged 18.8 yards per catch … also had 840 receiving yards as a junior … rated the 39th best overall prospect in Tennessee according to 247sports.com … participated in the Liberty Bowl High School all-star game … lettered in track and basketball … finished sixth in the state 200M as a junior … PERSONAL … son of Tara and Sam Ford … had two older brothers, Devin and Dernan, and an older sister, Dea … plans to major in Sport Management … also had numerous FBS offers, including Kentucky, Memphis, Middle Tennessee and UAB.

Coach Huesman on Dejuan McQuarters:“Dejuan is a wide receiver who also can run. He was top (six) in the state in the 100M dash as a junior and will probably be better this year. Dejuan can catch and run. We think he is going to be a very good wide receiver to catch screens and bubbles and stretch the field. We weren’t sure we could get in on him because he had a lot of interest early in the recruiting process. Coach Coop did a great job getting him in in the middle of January, and we are just excited about him being a great guy for us at wide out.”

Bingo Morton – WR – 6-2 – 195 – Fairburn, Ga. (Langston Hughes HS)Three-star prospect according to 247sports.com … two-star according to Rivals.com … three-time all-region at Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Ga. … led the Panthers to a 20-4 record last two seasons … averaged 14 yards per catch while amassing 608 receiving yards … also ran track and was the 2013 200-meter regional champion … Honor Roll student and at-large member of the student government … PERSONAL … full name is DeVaughn Bingo Morton, Jr. … born Nov. 5, 1995 … son of Latisha & Markie Schofield and DeVaughn Morton, Sr. … undecided on a major … other FBS offers included Georgia Southern, Troy and Arkansas State.

Coach Huesman on Bingo Morton:“Bingo is a tall guy that can run, but I think the thing about him is his hands. Some of the catches he made on his high school film were really special plays. I think he is a guy who can go up and get the football for us and can play an outside receiver. He is athletic enough to be an inside guy too for us, but Bingo has unbelievable hands. How he can contort his body to go up and get a football is really something special and we are excited to have Bingo.”

Emory Norred – LS – 6-0 – 215 – Chattanooga, Tenn. (Baylor School)Four-year starter at Chattanooga’s Baylor School … five-star rating at the Kohl’s Kicking Camp … ranked No. 14 in the nation among the hundreds of long snappers that attended the camp … lettered in track and wrestling … placed sixth in the state wrestling tournament … PERSONAL … full name is Robert Emory Norred … born Nov. 16, 1995 … son of Rob and Jennifer Norred … has one sister, Liz … father played football at Tennessee Tech … plans to major in Chemical Engineering.

Coach Huesman on Emory Norred:“Emory is a guy who can snap the football. He was a four-year starter at Baylor and been in some big time games. We think he has great velocity. He is not only a great football player, but also an excellent student. He wants a degree in Engineering here and we are excited to have him on board. Hopefully he will be snapping for Chattanooga for a really long time.”

Montrell Pardue – LB/DB – 6-0 – 185 – Clarksville, Tenn. (Northeast HS)Two-star prospect according to Rivals.com and 247sports.com … all-state and three-year starter at Northeast High School in Clarksville, Tenn. … played for head coach Isaac Shelby … led the Eagles to the 5A state quarterfinals as a dual-threat quarterback … topped 1,000 yards rushing and passing … Clarksville area and district offensive MVP … totaled 75 tackles as a senior … selected to the East-West All-Star Game … all-district with 65 tackles as a junior … also lettered in basketball … PERSONAL … born May 25, 1996 … son of Michael Pardue and Nicole Rodriguez … has two brothers, Michael and Malik, and a sister, Shaliyah … plans to major in Health & Human Performance.

Coach Huesman on Montrell Pardue:“Montrell is a DB and outside linebacker who played quarterback in high school and is very, very athletic. The reason I like him is he did so many things on the football field. Of course he was great on defense, but when he had the ball in his hands he was very athletic. Anytime you can get a guy that is 6’1 - 190 that is very athletic you can do a lot of different things with him. You know he could be a safety, he could be a nickel guy, he could be a linebacker, he is just a really good player and we are excited to have him.”

Branden Parker – OL – 6-3 – 250 – Lithonia, Ga. (Miller Grove HS)All-county offensive lineman from Miller Grove High School in Lithonia, Ga. … played for head coach Damien Wimes … captain of the baseball team … A-B Honor Roll … PERSONAL … full name is Branden George Parker … born Jan. 21, 1996 … plans to major in Chemistry … also had offers from Furman and Appalachian State.

Coach Huesman on Branden Parker:“Branden is one of those guys who had a lot of things going. Coach Atkins did a great job recruiting him and he hung in there with us. I think the thing about Branden is he is so athletic. 260-pound guy who can run and can move. I think he can do a lot of things in this offense, especially in a spread offense. He has great feet and we are very excited about having him.”

Zach Rasmussen – DL – 6-4 – 275 – Memphis, Tenn. (St. Benedict HS)Two-star prospect according to Rivals.com … all-state defensive tackle at St. Benedict of Auburndale High School in Memphis, Tenn. … played for head coach Mike David … team captain … all-region … had 47 tackles, 22 TFLs and four sacks in six games as a senior … two-year starter at Heber Springs (Ark.) High School as a sophomore and junior where he also lettered in track … selected to play in the Autozone Liberty Bowl All-Star game … PERSONAL … born June 12, 1995 … son of David and Sandi Rasmussen … has an older brother, Robbey … plans to major in Criminal Justice.

Coach Huesman on Zach Rasmussen:“Zach is a defensive tackle, about 6’4 -275. I think he brings to the table a guy who can move and very athletic for his size. The thing I liked about Zach and his is family is that they were very excited to be coming to Chattanooga, this city, this school and the education he could get here. Zach was followed by a lot of people and had multiple FCS offers. For us to land him and somebody of his caliber is great.”

Penny Smith – QB – 6-2 – 180 – Knoxville, Tenn. (Fulton HS)Three-star recruit and No. 44 overall prospect in Tennessee according to 247Sports.com … left-handed dual-threat quarterback from Fulton High School in Knoxville, Tenn. … two-star prospect according to Rivals.com … played for head coach Rob Black … two-time all-state … three-year starter … led Fulton to back-to-back Class 4A state championships … 94-155 passing for 2,183 yards and 34 TDs … averaged 6.9 yards per carry with five TDs rushing … led Falcons to a 15-0 record as a senior … team was 28-2 last two seasons … offensive MVP honors as a junior … also ran track and was a part of the state champion 4x200M relay team … PERSONAL … full name is Jakaeln Penny Smith … son of Terreka and Derrick Smith … has one younger brother, Chaston … originally committed to Appalachian State.

Coach Huesman on Penny Smith:“Penny was one we identified very early, had him in camp and we loved him. He threw a great ball and ran well. When we went out to identify the next quarterback to take in this class all the things that Penny did was what we wanted. Athletic, can throw it, and a winner and a leader. That’s the things you want at the QB position. Coach Healy did an unbelievable job recruiting him and thank goodness we got him because he was the only one we were going after. We put all our eggs in the basket for him and Thank You Penny for showing up.”

Cam Walker – OL – 6-4 – 245 – Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie School)All-state offensive lineman at Chattanooga’s McCallie School … played for former Moc Ralph Potter … member of the Chattanooga Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … member of the National Honor Society … also lettered in track and basketball … PERSONAL … full name is Charles Cameron Walker … son of Debi Walker … born Sept. 9, 1994 … plans to major in Business Communications … also had an FBS offer from UAB.

Coach Huesman on Cam Walker:“Cam was one of our early commits. Cam had a lot of opportunities and could have gone a lot of different places to play. For a local guy like him to stay here is huge for us. We project him to be a very athletic offensive tackle. We watched him play basketball. He can move, he can run with great size. Just thrilled to have him and his family a part of this program and staying home in Chattanooga.”

Tim Whatley – LB – 6-0 – 210 – Columbus, Ga. (Carver HS)Two-star prep prospect according to Rivals.com … three-time all-state at G.W. Carver High School in Columbus, Ga. … played for head coach Joseph Kegler … three-year starter who had over 100 tackles each season … 128 tackles as a senior … guided Carver to an 11-2 record in each of last two seasons … National Honor Society … Georgia Order of Merit … participated in Carver’s Math, Science & Technology magnet program … PERSONAL … full name is Timothy Chancellor Whatley … son of Vanessa Whatley … born Nov. 2, 1995 … has one sister, Tori … plans to major in Chemistry … also had an FBS offer from Georgia Southern.

Coach Huesman on Tim Whatley:
“He was one of our early commitments. One thing I liked about him, he was a prototypical linebacker. When he hit you, you went backwards. I saw a lot of great linebacker skills from him, a really well-coached linebacker. He knows how to play the position and that was a position of need for us. We have had a lot of great success with linebackers from Georgia and I think he will be another one.”

Dale Warren – LB – 6-0 – 205 – Covington, Ga. (Stephenson HS)Three-star prospect according to Scout.com … two-star per Rivals.com … all-state performer at Stephensen High School in Stone Mountain, Ga. … played for head coach Ron Gartrell … led the top-rated defense in Georgia 5A … regional defensive player of the year with 126 tackles, 15 TFLs, three sacks and three forced fumbles … also lettered in wrestling and track … made the A-B Honor Roll … PERSONAL … full name is Delinine Warren … born Oct. 8, 1995 … plans to major in Physical Therapy … other FBS offers included Indiana, Middle Tennessee and Georgia Southern.

Coach Huesman on Dale Warren:“We got in on Dale a little late. He had a bunch of things going early. Our coaches did a great job staying with him. Dale had some interest in us and we got him up on a visit. He was very impressed with us and Chattanooga. Dale is a tackling machine. He can run sideline to sideline. He will probably be our fastest linebacker. He came from a great high school program and was very well coached. I think Dale can come in and be an impact player for us early in his career.”

Trevor Wright – WR/DB – 6-1 – 175 – Greeneville, Tenn. (Greeneville HS)Three-year starter at Greeneville High School in Greeneville, Tenn. … played for head coach Caine Ballard … all-state honors as a senior … 750 yards and 12 TDs with 21.4 yards per catch … 62 tackles and four TFLs … five INT’s, including a pair of pick-6s … led Greeneville to an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the Tennessee 4A quarters … averaged 44.3 yards per kickoff return and 22 yards per punt return as a senior … returned two kicks for TDs … also was an all-conference member of the basketball team … PERSONAL … full name is Trevor Deion Wright … born Dec. 21, 1995 … son of Teresa Wright and Tory Hall … youngest of five siblings with an older sister, Sienna, and older brothers, A.J., Ian and Antwaan … undecided on a major.

Coach Huesman on Trevor Wright:“Will Healy did a great job recruiting Trevor. I said Day 1 of meeting him that he was one I wanted and we weren’t not going to get him. This kid is tremendously athletic. He can play offense, he can play defense, he can return kicks and is a phenomenal student. The thing I liked about him was when we sat in his coach’s office for an hour and I watched how he interacted with his coaches and our coaches and what a class act. I think he is going to be a great leader and also a tremendous player and athlete.”

Wil Young – WR – 6-3 – 195 – Mobile, Ala. (McGill-Toolen HS)Three-star prospect according to 247sports.com … two-star per Rivals.com … 53 catches for 850 yards and 12 TDs as a senior at McGill-Toolen in Mobile, Ala. … played for head coach Bart Sessions … guided the Yellow Jackets to the Alabama 6A semifinals … team went 23-3 last two seasons … also played basketball and ran track … made the Principal’s List and earned Scholar-Athlete recognition … PERSONAL … full name is Wilbert Lionel Young … son of Paul and Lisa Young … born Oct. 12, 1996 … has two younger brothers, Paul and Winston … plans to major in Electrical Engineering … other FBS offers included Army, Navy and Texas State.

Coach Huesman on Wil Young:
“A big 6’3 – 200-pound wide out. You’ve always got to get one of these guys. We identified him early and he had a lot of things going in this process. We think he is going to be the big X receiver, the outside guy who can go up and get the fades. It’s a prize to have. We watched him play basketball and just a tremendous athlete and a great basketball player. I think he is going to be the guy that not only has size, but is so athletic. What a great kid to land and very excited to have him.”

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